Black Fathers

Gov. David Paterson

May 21, 2009

Assemblyman Nick Perry said he's pleased that a bill he first introduced in 2000 is on the verge of becoming law.

The bill in question would ban what Perry calls the "barbaric practice" of shackling state prisoners who are giving birth.

The Assemblyman says he's been haunted by the spectre of shackled mothers since a human rights report denounced the practice some years ago.

“As a husband,
father and grandfather, I was profoundly moved by the report," Perry said, "and I was stirred
into taking action to make sure no incarcerated female would have to give birth
in an environment lacking in safety, dignity and respect in New York.”

Perry credited State Senator Velmanette Montgomery (also of Brooklyn) with being a key backer in the Senate, which had previously (when under Republican control) not supported the bill.

Now both the Assembly and the Senate have voted in majorities with the human rights measure, and Gov. David Paterson is expected to sign it.